The Telephone by Kornei Chukovsky is a whimsical Russian children's poem that captures the lively chaos of a day in the life of a person constantly interrupted by telephone calls from talking animals. One by one, a crocodile, a bear, a heron, and other creatures call with absurd requests and comical complaints, turning an ordinary day into a fantastical adventure. Written in rhymed verse with playful rhythm and imagination, the poem delights children with its surreal humour and vivid characters, while also subtly commenting on the overwhelming pace of modern communication.

Translated from the Russian by D. Rottenberg

Drawings by V. Konashevich